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GET A TASTE OF WINTER ON ICE
The Christmas Spirit will be alive and well during the inaugural “Winter Wishes – A Holiday Festival” at the Hawai’i Convention Center, centered on an 82-by-50-foot portable ice skating rink.
The festival kicks off with a tree-lighting ceremony with 1992 Olympic figure-skating champion Kristi Yamaguchi . At 1 p.m. on Sunday, Yamaguchi will do a reading and sign copies of her children’s book “Dream Big, Little Pig!”, released in 2011. Brook Lee, Miss Universe 1997, also will read to keiki.
Meanwhile, a Winter Wishes Marketplace will include 50 vendors selling jewelry, food and other items perfect for holiday gifts.
Look out for craft workshops, keiki activities and other events throughout the festival.
“WINTER WISHES – A HOLIDAY FESTIVAL”
>> Where: Hawaii Convention Center, 1801 Kalakaua Ave.
>> When: 4 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; also 4 to 10 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays from tomorrow through Dec. 23; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 24
>> Cost: Mondays to Thursdays: $15 ages 12 and up; $10 ages 3 to 11 and 65 and older; free for ages 2 and younger; on Fridays to Sundays prices change to $20 and $15, respectively. Season passes are also available. Rent skates for $10.
>> Info: 943-3500, honoluluboxoffice.ticketspice.com
HAWAII BALLET’S ‘NUTCRACKER’ RETURNS
Hawaii Ballet Theatre’s 39th edition of “Nutcracker” will be held at Punahou School for the first time, and it’s going to be the biggest production to date.
The cast has reached a record 170 performers, with the youngest being 5 years old, said Kristin Aune, rehearsal assistant and dancer for the ballet theater, and director of Punahou Dance School.
The longtime home of the production was Leeward Community College, but theater renovations forced a move to Kaimuki High School in 2016. Aune said the group aims to return to the college.
Members of the Oregon Ballet Theatre will comprise the main cast, including the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier. Fifteen local professionals will be featured dancers; 120 Punahou Dance School students and faculty will also take the stage.
“It’s a holiday tradition; so many young dancers look forward to it,” said Aune, who will play the role of Clara. “The music is so famous and beautiful.”
“NUTCRACKER”
>> Where: Dillingham Hall Theatre, Punahou School
>> When: 7:30 p.m. tomorrow; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday (sold out)
>> Cost: $18 to $30
>> Info: 944-5829, hawaiiballettheatre.org
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